Albion said farewell to Graham Potter on Thursday after three record-breaking seasons at the club.
Appointed on his birthday in May 2019, the 47-year-old kicked off his reign with a 3-0 away win at Watford, with victories on the road becoming a theme during his time with us.
The 2019/20 campaign was set against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, but when the season finally ended in July 2020, Graham could reflect on a year where he’d led Albion to their highest ever return from a Premier League campaign as we reached 41 points.
Off the pitch, Graham took a pay cut along with other key members of staff at the beginning of the pandemic.
MA+ members & STH only - Log-in required
Log-in required
His second full season at the Amex would see Albion match their record tally of 41 points, along with famous wins at Anfield against Liverpool and at home against Manchester City, in the final home game when 8000 fans returned to the Amex. Those were a sign of things to come, ahead of what would prove to be our best ever season in the top flight.
We kicked off the 2021/22 season with stadia back to full capacity. Ben White had left for what was then a club record transfer fee, but the team adapted quickly with four wins from the opening five league games saw the returning fans witness some of the best football played during the Amex years.
Impressive performances led to draws at Liverpool and Chelsea, before a brilliant finish to the season. North London was conquered with Arsenal and Tottenham beaten on their own turf on successive Saturdays last April, before Manchester United were humbled 4-0 on an unforgettable afternoon at the Amex as Albion claimed their best Premier League win.
MA+ members & STH only - Log-in required
Log-in required
A final day 3-1 win against West Ham United ensured that our previous record Premier League points tally was smashed as we secured 51 points and ninth place, our highest finish in the top tier.
That form was carried on into the current season, as the team secured a first- ever win at Old Trafford on the opening day of the new season. Three wins from the opening five games in August earned him a nomination for the Premier League Manager of the Month award.
Graham’s final game saw us score five times in a single game for the first time in the Premier League, as Leicester City were beaten comfortably at the Amex last Sunday.
His backing of our young talent saw 20 academy players make their professional debuts while academy graduates Robert Sanchez and Ben White were given the opportunity to become established Premier League players.